A plug for assimilation? Wow… Did you ever blow his words out of proportion. You ARE aware that the Meti and other Indian bands pretty much have to assimilate to white culture in one form or another, no matter how small the blending is? And not every North American tribe is willing to put the rituals together just for the sake of the MSM. Many do, but not for the exact “look at us” stance you may believe.

“…as we amalgamate into society…”
Hey! That sounds like a plug for assimilation to me! And coming from an aboriginal guy too!
Where’s old what’s-his-name when you need him? You know, the “it’s-all-about-assimilation” guy who said he was never coming back? ;)

I also like what he sad about the Hollywood Indian ceremony that seems to erupt every time there’s a CBC camera crew in the area. Hard to believe that every North American tribe pulled out eagle feathers, drums, and sweet grass and prayed to the same Great Spirit. Years ago I asked a Mohawk fellow I worked with if there was any difference between a Mohawk dance and a Blackfoot dance. With just a hint of a grin he said, “Sure. This side of Manitoba we all dance clockwise – out there, they go the other way”.